Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve shared how coaching impacted my life and also about how I started coaching pastors (I’ve personally coached 2100+ pastors since 2004). This week I’d like to get more direct (with your permission) and challenge you to step up and join my new Gold Coaching Network for Senior Pastors that begins on Tuesday, March … Read More
Managing Your Time (Part 3 of 3)
In the final part of this three-part blog series, I’d like to share the second practice that will be an essential component to managing your time well. Don’t Start Your Day Until You’ve Planned Your Day You may have heard the old axiom “Plan your work, then work your plan.” The wisdom in that saying is right on point. The most productive … Read More
Shield Your Eyes, Guard Your Heart: A Message to Those Struggling with Pornography
Today’s guest post comes to us from Charles Swindoll for Insight.org. If you’re reading this article, you may be searching for answers to a problem that’s eating you alive: pornography. If so, let me assure you— you’re doing the right thing by getting help. Pornography is more dangerous than you may realize. It isn’t just about what you see. With each … Read More
McIntosh on Defining Your Evangelistic Target
“‘Everyone Welcome’ is often seen on signs in front of churches. However, churches that try to reach everyone often end up reaching no one, or at least very few for Christ. In contrast, churches that are effectively reaching people for Christ have a well-defined target group.” – Gary McIntosh, Professor of Church Growth and Leadership
Sunday Scripture: The Importance of Preparation
“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?“ – Luke 14:28 (NLT)
Fusion Fridays: The Power of a First Impression
“Seven minutes is all you get to make a positive first impression. In the first seven minutes of contact with your church, your first-time guests will decide whether they are coming back. That’s before a single worship song is sung and before a single word of the message is uttered. This reality must prompt you and me to ask: What’s … Read More
Dining Out (Thursdays are for Health)
“Restaurant meals can be one of the worst enemies of a health-conscious lifestyle – and in our profession, we end up eating in a lot of restaurants. If you know you’re going to be eating out, be intentional about choosing a restaurant that will have some healthy options. As much as it is up to you, avoid places where you’ll have … Read More
How I Started Coaching Pastors (Part 2 of 2)
Yesterday I told you how I coached my first 200 pastors by traveling around the country during one frantic week a month. I learned a lot from these first 200 pastors. It was during this time that: – I developed my proprietary approach to coaching based on the Eight Systems of a Healthy Church. Some of those early coaching members are still engaged today and … Read More
How I Started Coaching Pastors (Part 1 of 2)
Last week I told you how having a coach during the first few years of The Journey helped me avoid serious potholes while accelerating my personal growth and the growth of the church (these three items are the consistent results of my current coaching networks too — more on that later): Today, I want to tell you how I — … Read More
9 Critical Spiritual Disciplines You Cannot Afford to Ignore
Today’s guest post comes to us from Brandon Cox for ChurchPlants.com. I’ve loved and grown through the writings of Don Whitney, Dallas Willard, R. Kent Hughes, Richard Foster and Chuck Swindoll, all of whom have written excellent books about the subject of spiritual disciplines. They all have different lists. I’ve looked them over many times, but ultimately arrived at my … Read More